5 Reasons Why Blue Hour Wedding Photos Will Make Your Day Unforgettable
Wedding Photography
Hey there!
Weddings are all about creating unforgettable moments that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. And when it comes to capturing those moments, the right light can make all the difference. This blog is about one of the most magical times of day for wedding photography—the blue hour. In the next few minutes, you’ll discover why blue hour wedding photos can be an absolute game-changer, learn practical ways to plan for it, and get inspired with some creative ideas for your big day.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know:
- Why Blue Hour adds a unique, romantic vibe to your photos.
- How can you perfectly time your wedding day to capture the blue hour?
- The differences between blue hour, golden hour, and magic hour photography, and when to use each.
- What you can do to ensure your blue hour wedding photos are nothing short of magical.
So, let’s dive into the beauty of blue hour photography, and trust me—you’ll want to make time for this on your wedding day! 💙
3 Magical Benefits of Blue Hour Photos for Your Wedding
You’ve probably heard of golden hour photography—the dreamy light just before sunset or after sunrise that casts everything in a golden glow. But let’s talk about the blue hour, the lesser-known but equally magical time of day that happens just after the sun has dipped below the horizon or just before it rises. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with blue hour wedding photos:
- Soft, Romantic Lighting The blue hour bathes your photos in soft, cool tones, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. There’s something so romantic about the way the light interacts with the environment, whether you’re capturing an intimate moment between you and your partner or the excitement of the reception. Imagine walking hand-in-hand, the sky turning a deep blue behind you—pure magic.
- Adds Depth and Drama The contrast between the rich blue sky and warm artificial lights from venues, candles, or string lights can create stunning visual depth. It adds a dramatic flair to your wedding photos, making them stand out from the typical sunlit shots. If you want wedding photos that feel unique and full of emotion, blue hour photography is the way to go.
- A Serene, Calming Moment Weddings can be a whirlwind of excitement, so stealing a few quiet moments during the blue hour offers a peaceful pause. Not only is it a beautiful time for photos, but it’s also a great way for you and your partner to take a breather together and soak in the magic of the day.
5 Ways to Time Your Wedding Day Perfectly for Blue Hour Shots
Planning for blue hour photos takes a bit of coordination, but it’s 100% worth it. Here’s how you can make sure you don’t miss out on those stunning shots:
- Know When the Blue Hour Happens The blue hour occurs twice a day—right after sunset and just before sunrise. The exact time will depend on your location and the time of year, so using a blue hour calculator can help you nail down the timing. This way, you can plan your timeline around it, ensuring your photographer is ready to capture those magical moments.
- Adjust Your Ceremony Time If you want those dreamy, blue hour wedding photos, consider scheduling your ceremony so it finishes right before the blue hour. This gives you the perfect opportunity to step away for some intimate, atmospheric photos before the reception gets into full swing.
- Coordinate with Your Photographer Blue hour photography is all about timing and lighting, so make sure your photographer is fully briefed and ready. They’ll need to adjust their settings for low-light conditions (more on that later), and you might need to schedule extra time for setup.
- Be Flexible The light before sunrise time can be unpredictable, especially with weather changes. Having some flexibility in your timeline allows you to adapt if needed, but trust your photographer—they’ll make the most of the light no matter what.
- Plan for Artificial Lighting String lights, lanterns, candles—these little touches can enhance the blue hour and give your photos an even more romantic vibe. Whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, consider how lighting can add to the mood.
How to Capture Those Emotional Blue Hour Moments Without Stress
Let’s face it: weddings are hectic, and squeezing in a blue hour photo session can feel like just one more thing to do. But don’t worry—here’s how to keep things stress-free and fun.
- Schedule a Sneak-Away Session: Plan a quick 15-minute session during the blue hour, where you and your partner can sneak away for some quiet time. No posing, no pressure—just real, emotional moments.
- Let the Photographer Guide You: Trust your photographer to handle the details. They’ll know when the light is just right, and their expertise with blue hour photography settings will ensure your photos come out perfectly.
- Enjoy the Moment: Blue hour is serene, so take this time to breathe, relax, and really enjoy your day. Your photographer will capture the magic unfolding naturally, without the need for stiff poses.
Why Blue Hour is the Secret to Dreamy, Romantic Wedding Photos
Blue hour isn’t just a beautiful time of day—it’s a vibe. 🌙 There’s something about that deep blue sky that transforms even the most ordinary scene into something cinematic and timeless. The color palette shifts, creating cool tones that feel intimate and romantic. It’s as if the world quiets down for a moment, allowing the focus to be completely on you and your partner.
Unlike golden hour photography, which casts a warm, golden glow, blue hour photos feel more moody and emotional. That’s why so many couples love incorporating both into their wedding photography—golden hour for the joy, blue hour for the romance.
The Key to Stunning Wedding Photos: Timing Your Blue Hour Session
Timing is everything when it comes to blue hour photography. The window for those perfect blue hour shots is brief—around 20 to 40 minutes depending on your location and the time of year. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a Blue Hour Calculator: There are great tools online to help you pinpoint the exact timing of the blue hour at your wedding location. Just pop in your wedding date and venue, and it’ll give you the timeframe. Pro tip: plan for your blue hour photos to start about 10 minutes before the official blue hour begins, so you can get a range of lighting as it transitions.
- Be Ready Ahead of Time: Since the blue hour fades quickly, make sure everything is set up before it starts. This includes lighting, if you’re using any, and having your photographer and guests (if they’re in the shots) prepared.
How Blue Hour Compares to Golden Hour – And Why You Should Consider Both
Both blue hour and golden hour photography are stunning, but they offer different moods for your wedding album. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Golden Hour: Warm, glowing light that enhances the joy and excitement of your wedding day. Perfect for those golden, happy couple shots.
- Blue Hour: Soft, cool light that brings a moody, romantic atmosphere to your photos. Ideal for intimate moments, quiet reflections, and evening celebrations.
Many couples opt for both, capturing the golden hour during the earlier part of their wedding day and saving the blue hour for those dreamy, post-ceremony shots. It’s the best of both worlds!
Top 3 Venues for Beautiful Blue Hour Wedding Photos
Certain venues truly shine during the blue hour, making them the perfect backdrop for those moody, romantic shots. Here are a few that are absolute blue hour favorites:
- The Old Manor House: With its vintage charm and gorgeous outdoor spaces, the Old Manor House lights up beautifully under the blue hour sky, especially with a few string lights and candles scattered around.
- Coastal Wedding Venues: There’s nothing like the sky reflecting off the water during the blue hour. Coastal venues give you that breathtaking view as the sun dips below the horizon, leaving behind deep blue tones that make your wedding photos unforgettable.
- Rustic Barns: Imagine a rustic barn lit with candles and string lights, surrounded by the deep blues of the sky as night falls. It’s a photographer’s dream for capturing intimate, magical moments.
How to Work with Your Photographer to Get the Perfect Blue Hour Shots
When it comes to blue hour photography, communication is key. Here’s how you and your photographer can make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Discuss Your Vision: Before the wedding, sit down with your photographer and explain the kind of blue hour shots you want. Show them examples, and trust their expertise in making it work.
- Trust Their Photography Settings: Blue hour photography requires special settings—typically a slower shutter speed and a wider aperture to let in as much light as possible. Your photographer will know how to adjust for the low light conditions, so trust their process.
- Be Open to Candid Moments: Some of the best blue hour photos come from those in-between moments—when you’re laughing, embracing, or just soaking in the day. Be open to spontaneity, and let your photographer capture the magic as it happens.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Planning the Perfect Blue Hour Wedding Photos
- Research your blue hour time: Use a blue hour calculator to figure out when the blue hour happens on your wedding day.
- Plan your wedding timeline: Adjust your ceremony or reception schedule to allow for a blue hour photo session, making sure it doesn’t interrupt the flow of your day.
- Coordinate with your photographer: Share your vision and let your photographer guide the process. They’ll know how to get the best shots with the available light.
- Enjoy the moment: During the blue hour, relax, enjoy, and let your photographer capture those magical, candid moments.
Blue hour wedding photos add a layer of romance, mystery, and magic to your wedding day that other times of day just can’t match. Whether it’s the cool, moody tones or the deep contrast between sky and lights, the blue hour creates unforgettable, intimate moments in your wedding album. From planning your timeline to working with your photographer on the perfect settings, you now have everything you need to make blue hour part of your special day.
Do you have some questions?
Let me answer them!
Ready to
Capture some blue hour magic?
Let’s chat about how we can make your wedding photos truly unforgettable. Get in touch today to schedule a consultation and plan the wedding photography of your dreams! 💙
